For Sale: Japan-Imported 1989 BMW 325i M-Technic II

When we talk about E30 BMWs, the M3 always takes the spot light. This is obvious, as the E30 M3 is one of the greatest …

When we talk about E30 BMWs, the M3 always takes the spot light. This is obvious, as the E30 M3 is one of the greatest driver’s cars of all time. The only problem with the E30 M3 is that it’s incredibly expensive at the moment. However, many other E30s are also excellent driver’s and can be had for a fraction of the price of the M3. Some of them are even special, even rare, cars that just aren’t nearly as in demand as the M3. Much like this very rare 1989 Japanese import BMW 325i M-Technic II.

The BMW 325i M-Technic is essentially a standard E30 325i with some cooler aerodynamic body work, stiffer suspension, brakes and a limited-slip differential. Mainly, it just looks plain mean. The M-Technic II body work just looks fantastic and it truly makes the E30 look very special. Think of this car as an M3-lite. Less calories, same great taste.

This 1989 model was legally imported to Japan from Europe and is a left-hand drive model, something rare in Japan. It only has 135,000 km (84,000 miles) on it, which is nothing for a 1989 model year. This thing’s barely broken in.

It also looks gorgeous in that two-tone blue with the houndstooth seats. The exterior is near perfect, impressive for a near 30 year old car. The interior is also in fantastic shape. The passenger seat has a small tear, but it’s minor and wouldn’t make a big difference in the sale of the car.

The only real issue with this car is its transmission. It’s an automatic transmission, something most enthusiasts dislike greatly in a car like an E30. Admittedly, this car will most likely be fun even with a slushbox, but a manual would be preferred. However, it wouldn’t stop me from buying this car, because it’s so rare and so special that it would be a great smile machine regardless of which gearbox was in it.

This car isn’t necessarily cheap, at $15,600, but it is very cool and very rare and in incredible condition. What do you think, would you buy this car for the money even with an automatic transmission?